Chart of the Week: each American’s share of National Debt

Throughout the debate over the debt limit these past few weeks, Americans have become increasingly alarmed with our nation’s staggering $14.3 trillion debt. Many might wonder how the government is ever going to repay its mounting debt. Unfortunately, that responsibility will fall to the Debt-Paying Generation (ages 5-30). Currently, every citizen owns $31,871 of the national debt, but each American’s share of national debt is growing. If current spending patterns continue, by the time 5-year-olds are 45, they will each be responsible for $279,738 of the debt. See more at Heritage.org